Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill

Lord Sassoon: I have today introduced the Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill, now agreed in the usual channels to be passed under the fast-track procedure.
	The Bill, as drafted, provides for the suspension of the current restrictions on the hours that large shops can open on a Sunday during the Olympic and Paralympic Games from 22 July 2012 to 9 September 2012. The Government have undertaken to hold discussions before Second Reading in the House of Lords on 24 April with the Opposition, retailers, employers' groups and unions with a view to tabling a government amendment to ensure the better protection of shop workers, probably by shortening the notice period to opt out of Sunday working from three months to two months.
	I understand that the Public Bill Office has agreed to accept amendments in advance of Second Reading.